'Calling a tub a tub' was the ancient Greek way to express this idea of calling a common simple thing by its simple common name. So it really just meant to speak plainly or talk straight and still does.
But one and the same Greek word skaphos meant both primarily a tub or skiff, and secondarily a spade or shovel. (The same basic idea of a hollowed object split into two distinctly different notions in English.)
When John Knox mistranslated this expression and replaced the more common word tub with the less common word spadearound 1550 it stuck.
This phrase goes back to Greek text at least as early as 300BC and doesn't have racist origins. John Knox introduced it into English when translating a Latin text by Erasmus. "I have learned to call wickedness by its own terms: A fig is a fig and a spade a spade."
It means "to speak plainly or bluntly; to avoid euphemism."
The phrase "to call a spade a spade" was introduced in 1542 by Nicholas Udall, in his translation of Erasmus, "Apophthegmes, that is to saie, prompte saiynges". It means to speak directly about a topic, without considering that the topic might be embarassing or of a sensitive nature to others.
This usage is older than the use of the term "spade" as an ethnic slur against African-Americans, however, the phrase is generally avoided due to the possible confusion with the slur.
Call a spade a spade. It just means to tell it like it is. Don't use euphemisms.
Do not call a man confused in his priorities, call a spade a spade.
by- Nikhil yadav
No.
His name was Samuel Spade or Sam Spade.
ponyboy
Answer1) When the Apex or point of the Spade points up in the reading it means a conclusion, an ending. Considered the Death Card, meaning the death of circumstances, not people, 90% of the time. Remember, with death, there is always a new beginning. Death in reading cards is a door offering a new beginning. 2) Apex pointing down: The card is telling you about someone or something at a distance, not in this location, usually quite far away.Ellis's Head
David Spade
Say what you mean and mean what you say. Give it to them straight! This is an emphatic way of saying "Call a spade a spade," which means "Don't use any fancy language or flowery terms to try to make the situation look better than it is." "Bloody" is a mildly offensive curse word used in the UK and Australia.
It means to speak plainly. Eg. : Would you like a piece of gum? - or - Would you like a mint? - vs - Your breath stinks.
If you are referring to the tool or implement, then yes you can.
In this project, let's call a spade a spade and address the real issues without dancing around the truth.
To speak honestly and directly about a topic, specifically topics that others may avoid speaking about due to their sensitivity or embarrassing nature.
Doug
it is a democrat
In Hebrew, you would say, "call a child by his name":קָרָא לַיֶּלֶד בִּשְׁמוֹ (kara le-yeled bishmo)
Call the number on the spade
Douglas
Eggs on a spoon
They cant have puppies.